Metro-North Railroad tickets would cost as much as 6.1 percent more under a series of proposed fare hikes announced Monday.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the Metro-North, unveiled plans to increase fares for MTA rail service and up the cost of its roadway tolls by a total of 4 percent over the next two years.
Metro-North tickets would increase between 2.2 percent and 6.1 percent based on the station and if the tickets are for rides during peak or off-peak hours. The Metro-North”™s New Haven Line runs to and from Connecticut. Connecticut fare increases have already been adopted by the state and are to be implemented in January.
All MTA increases must occur in 25-cent increments, according to the proposal.
A regular subway ride in New York City would increase by a quarter to $2.75. Tolls operated by the MTA would also go up, with the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge possibly increasing from $15 to $16.
MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast said the agency has cut $1 billion from its expenses but still needs fare increases to balance its budget. “The MTA is keeping its promise to ensure fare and toll increases are as low as possible, and these options are designed to minimize their impact on our customers,” he said in a statement.
Fare and tolls cover 52 percent of the agency”™s $13 billion operating budget, Prendergast said.
Public hearings on the proposal will be held throughout the region beginning in December. Proposals may be modified before an ultimate vote in January. The fare increases would then take effect in March.
To register in advance to speak at a hearing, members of the public can call 646-252-6777 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Comments are to be limited to three minutes or less. Comments of three minutes or less can also be recorded on video and submitted at any of the public hearings. The Westchester County hearing is scheduled for Dec. 2 at the New York Power Authority, Jaguar Room, 123 Main St. in White Plains. The hearing begins at 5 p.m., with registration open from 4 to 8 p.m.
Hearings in the suburbs are also scheduled for West Nyack”™s Palisades Center on Dec. 8, 5 to 8 p.m., and at the Poughkeepsie Metro-North station Dec. 9, 4 to 8 p.m.
